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Consulting CV- non trad background

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New answer on Sep 05, 2023
4 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Sep 04, 2023

Hi Everyone!

I'm a current final year medical student in the UK most likely applying to consulting during this autumn recruitment period.

Whilst I've re-written my CV for consulting, I don't have much ‘consulting’ or ‘business’ related work experience. I feel that my CV doesn't necessarily demonstrate why I want to do consulting.

Any advice on how to demonstrate  aspects such as business acumen/interest in business and entrepreneurship from past experiences that are more geared towards medicine/academia? 

Thanks for any advice!

(edited)

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Best answer
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 04, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Any advice on how to demonstrate aspects such as business acumen/interest in business and entrepreneurship from past experiences that are more geared towards medicine/academia? 

I saw you are referring to past experiences. It is difficult to answer without knowing what are the experiences themselves. There are a few options you could use to improve your CV for it.

  1. Free options:
    1. Ask current consultants you know
    2. Post a sanitized version of your CV here in the Q&A
  2. Paid options:
    1. Ask a coach to review your CV

For new experiences: given you just have a few months before applying, the simplest option would be to join a consulting club at your school that performs pro-bono consulting projects, if present.

For general tips, you can check the following:

 How to Craft a Great CV for Consulting

Good luck!

Francesco

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 04, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

It's great that you're asking these questions. 

As you might expect, it's difficult to give feedback without actually having an understanding of your background and experiences, but basically, if you haven't done anything consulting related, then try to emphasise ‘consulting-like skills’ in your previous roles. 

Additionally, emphasise anything that has to do with being entrepreneurial / taking initiative. 

Last but not least, aim to quatify your efforts as much as possible into business terms, e.g., # of patients helped. 

If you're committed to making this transition into consulting, I'd recommend to do a proper CV review. This increases your chances of passing screening dramatically, especially if you don't have the typical background.

Sharing wtih you also a bonus article on how to best approach the application process:

Best,
Cristian

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 04, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First, I recommend you try to get some experiential/pro bono consulting experience (programs like Impact Consulting, 180 Degrees, GCG, etc.)

Secondly, any existing experiences you essentially need to find the business “spin” so to speak for them.

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Sep 05, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

You don't necessarily need consulting and business experience, though of course it does help.

Regarding your resume, just make sure it is written in a way that's suited for consulting recruiting (emphasizing strong brand names, quantifying your achievements, highlighting qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and initiative, etc.).

Regarding making it clear why you want to do consulting, I would do the following: spend some time preparing and workshopping a strong answer, put it into your cover letter, and be sure to talk about it in the interview too. You are right in that this is going to be important for you given your background.

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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